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That small critter vanishing into a birdhouse in your yard might be worth a second look. While it could be a bird, it could also be a flying squirrel! Here’s what to know about these adorable creatures, including where to find them, what they eat, and why calling them “flying” isn’t quite right.
What Are Flying Squirrels?
Dr. Noah Perlut, assistant academic director and professor at the University of New England’s School of Marine and Environmental Programs, explains that there are two subspecies in the United States: the southern flying squirrel, and the northern flying squirrel.
While the two types are similar in appearance, they differ in size and diet.
Northern flying squirrels are larger than southerns, at about the size of a red squirrel. Southern flying squirrels are chipmunk-sized.
What Do Flying Squirrels Eat?
“They primarily eat mushrooms and lichens,” Noah says of the northern subspecies. Southerns, on the other hand, have a wider diet: “They will eat lots of insects, seeds, and nuts. They’ll eat lichens and mushrooms as well, but they’re not as dependent on those as northern flying squirrels.” Because of this, southern flying squirrels are more common at feeders than their northern counterparts.
Where Do Flying Squirrels Live?
To spot these animals, you’d do best to look in specific areas of the United States. The southern population lives throughout most of the eastern half of the country, while northern flying squirrels have ranges in the Midwest and Northeast, as well as the Pacific Northwest. Their territories overlap in the Northeast and northernmost Midwest.
In addition, Noah says those ranges are shifting. “The southern flying squirrel seems to be expanding its range north, and the northern flying squirrel seems to be shrinking its range because of that,” he says. “I don’t think the southern squirrel is directly impacting them; I think it’s more of a climate change problem.”
Those determined to see one should check mature forests, especially those with nut-producing trees. Southern flying squirrels prefer territories with hardwood trees that produce seeds; examples include hickory and oak. To find a northern flying squirrel, look in coniferous forests.
Learn about the different types of squirrels that live in the United States.
Do Flying Squirrels Nest in Birdhouses?
“They do use cavities for nests, for sure,” Noah says. He’s had flying squirrels use bird boxes in his backyard during the winter to roost — important to note, too, is that the southern squirrels can roost in groups of up to 20 individuals.
As is the case with other squirrel populations, females nest individually and raise young alone. While they are usually nocturnal, there is, Noah says, a time during which you’d have a good chance to see them: “When you’re out and about or in your backyard at a fire pit, if you have mature hardwood trees around you, you could certainly have flying squirrels cruising around you. You don’t have to go into super-deep forests only at night to find them. They’re small and quiet, but they’re not shy.”
Become a squirrel expert with these nutty and fun facts about squirrels.
Do Flying Squirrels Actually Fly?
It’s important to note that while these critters have “flying” in their name, they aren’t capable of flight in the same way as your favorite backyard birds. Lacking wings, they rely on flaps of skin that stretch from their front to their back legs to keep them airborne. This enables them to “fly” from tree to tree and steer with their tail. All in all, the process more resembles gliding than true flight. “Maybe they should be called gliding squirrels!” Noah laughs.
Next, take a moment to chuckle at these funny photos of squirrels.
